One of my most cherished memories as a Mum is reading a book to my sons before they went to bed. Let’s set the scene: it’s the end of a long day. The toys are (mostly) put away, pajamas are on, and your little ones are nestled under the covers. The house finally feels quiet. Then comes the best part—a bedtime story. As a mother and an early learning specialist, I can tell you that this small nightly ritual is packed with benefits that go way beyond just getting your child to sleep.
When you sit down with a book and your child, you’re creating a moment of connection. It’s just the two of you (or three or four of you), free from distractions like screens or chores. These quiet moments together help strengthen your bond. The sound of your voice as you bring the story to life becomes a comforting constant in their day — something they’ll look forward to and remember for years to come. As a mum, I treasured these moments, and as a specialist, I know they lay the foundation for emotional security and trust.
Did you know that reading to your child helps build their vocabulary and comprehension skills? Each new story introduces them to new words, ideas, and ways of thinking. Even toddlers benefit, soaking up language and learning how stories are structured. Over time, this translates to better communication skills and a love for learning. Researchers have found over and over again that kids who are read to regularly often have a head start when it comes to literacy and cognitive development.
Books teach children about the world and fuel their imaginations, whether you’re battling dragons, exploring outer space, or visiting the dentist for the first time. They learn to picture scenes in their mind, empathize with characters, and think creatively. That spark of imagination can carry over into their playtime, problem-solving, and even how they approach challenges as they grow.
Bedtime can sometimes be a battleground (we’ve all been there). Reading a story creates a calming ritual that signals it’s time to wind down. The predictability of the routine helps kids feel secure and relaxed, making it easier for them to settle into sleep. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy cuddle and a good story to end the day? As a mother, I’ve found that this is one of the best ways to avoid bedtime struggles, and as a specialist, I know routines like these build a sense of safety and order in a child’s life.
Children who grow up with books tend to develop a natural love for reading. And that love of reading, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. It helps them succeed in school, opens doors to new knowledge, and provides a lifelong source of joy and relaxation. By making bedtime stories a habit, you’re planting the seeds for a lifelong relationship with books.
Ask any adult about their childhood, and many will fondly recall the bedtime stories they shared with their parents. Whether it’s a favorite book you read over and over or the way you added silly voices to the characters, these moments become treasured memories. You’re not just reading a story; you’re creating a legacy of love and connection. My own kids still talk about their favorite stories, and I love knowing that these memories will stay with them forever.
Here are some tips for a Magical Storytime
- Let them pick the book (even if it’s the same one for the tenth night in a row). Familiar stories can be comforting.
- Get into character. Use different voices and sound effects to make the story come alive.
- Make it interactive. Ask questions about the story or let them guess what happens next.
- Keep it consistent. Try to stick to a regular bedtime reading routine so it becomes a cherished part of their day.
So, the next time you’re tempted to skip the bedtime story because you’re too tired or the day has been too chaotic, remember this: those few minutes with a book and your child are so much more than words on a page. They’re moments of love, learning, and magic—and they’re worth every second.
Below are my top 10 all-time favorite books that I read with my sons and that I also love to buy for friends with young children:
- Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek
- Hattie and the Fox by Mem Fox, illustrated by Patricia Mullins
- Night Monkey, Day Monkey by Julia Donaldson & Lucy Richards
- Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks
- Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees
- Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen
- The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Elmer by David McKee
- Five Minutes Peace by Jill Murphy
- Peepo! By Allan & Janet Ahlberg
Happy Reading!
